ROCKFORD — The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch through 7 p.m. for Winnebago, Boone, Carroll, Jo Daviess, Ogle and Stephenson counties.

Thunderstorms have already developed in central Iowa this afternoon. The line of storms is expected to arrive early evening in central Illinois and will be capable of producing torrential rainfall, two to three inches by early Tuesday morning. It could lead to flash flooding.

Posted earlier today:

Damaging winds and hail are expected to rip through Rockford late this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service in Romeoville.

Meteorologist Amy Seeley said that there were reports of downed trees in Machesney Park after a thunderstorm overnight.

More severe weather is expected after 3 p.m. according to Tom Olsen, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Davenport, Iowa.